Alpine F1 Boss Breaks Silence on Leadership Shakeup After Renault CEO Exit

Newsweek

23-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Alpine F1 interim team principal Flavio Briatore has opened up on the effects of a leadership change at parent company Renault. CEO Luca de Meo announced he was stepping down from his role after the Canadian Grand Prix.
De Meo's exit raised several questions about the future of the Alpine F1 team, especially considering the recent exit of full-time team principal Oliver Oakes. Briatore was appointed as a senior advisor to de Meo last year in a bid to make Alpine a winning team again.
The Enstone-based team has mostly struggled in the current ground effect era with an underpowered power unit. Currently, the team is placed last in the championship standings, and a leadership shakeup would likely add to the confidence problem.
Alpine special advisor Flavio Briatore walks in the paddock during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 27, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
Alpine special advisor Flavio Briatore walks in the paddock during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 27, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain.However, Briatore has suggested that it is business as usual for Alpine. When asked by Reuters if de Meo's exit meant anything for the team, he said:
"Nothing, absolutely nothing.
"Nothing changed for me. Not for me or the team. And congratulations to Luca, new job."
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly also opened up on de Meo's exit. Newsweek Sports previously reported his comments:
"First of all, I think I need to have all the information. I have a very good relationship with Luca, he was the one that took me into the team, and I think he's a very inspiring person.
"So obviously, first reaction is that I'm very sad to see him leave.
"I'm sure he's got some good reasons. And I think at the end, for us as a team - even though not everything is great at the moment - there's still a lot of positives happening at the factory."
He added:
"For me, it's important that we keep that momentum going into '26, because the picture and the performance could be very different. And we need to keep that in mind.
"And I think it's important for all of us to stick as a team and stick together in these types of moments.
"And, you know, rely on each other and just trust the long game."
Renault made a major decision last year to shut down Alpine's F1 engine operations at its Viry-Châtillon factory, becoming a customer team from 2026 amid rising costs. As a result, Alpine's F1 cars in the new era of regulations starting in 2026 will be powered by Mercedes power units.
Alpine's status shift from a works team to a customer team raised many questions, especially about the team's long-term future in the sport. With de Meo's exit, it remains to be seen who will replace him and what decisions will follow.